World
CONTACTStaffCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2024 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
Let's Talk About Sex...
The Advocates: Expert advice on life -- as you live it.
The Advocates: Expert advice on life -- as you live it.
Dr. Frank Spinelli is a board-certified internist in New York City. To ask medical questions for future, e-mail health@advocate.com.
Why it's vital to get personal with your doctor.
One particularly angry gay man once said to me, "What goes on in my bedroom is none of my doctor's @$ business." I couldn't disagree more. Sure, talking to a doctor about sex, particularly as a gay patient, can be embarrassing, but our sexuality is the primary basis for the differences in the health care needs of heterosexuals and gay people. Certainly, the ongoing AIDS crisis has taught us to be mindful of our health care concerns associated with sex, but doctors and researchers now know other ways in which our needs are unique; mental health -- as evidenced by the study from the Journal of Health and Social Behavior -- is of special concern as well.
The health care of gays and lesbians should be culturally sensitive to their needs. To that end, I'll be deciphering some of the more confusing medical jargon in the news -- and pharmaceutical advertising -- in the coming months. I also welcome the opportunity to answer your health-related questions. Knowledge is power, and it's my goal to help arm you with that power.
Positive Thinking
A study published in the December 2008 Journal of
Health and Social Behavior found that gay men
who feel sexually undesirable are more likely to engage in
risky sexual practices, and their sexual partners are more
apt to insist on not using condoms. Meanwhile, men who
have a healthy body image are more likely to insist on
safer sex. The study shows a clear link between mental
states and sexual behavior. Given the emphasis many gay men
place on physical appearance, this study demonstrates
the vital importance of cultivating a strong sense of
self-worth. If you feel you have knowingly put
yourself at risk for HIV and other STDs because of low
self-esteem, speak to a health care professional. The
Gay and
Lesbian Medical Association has a directory of
gay-friendly medical providers and support groups.
Just for Girls?
Gardasil, the vaccine for the highly infectious
human papillomavirus, has been in the news lately. The
leading cause of cervical cancer in women and a cause
of anal cancer in men, HPV can be spread through shared sex
toys and direct skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal,
and oral sex. Gardasil is currently FDA-approved only
for females ages 9-26 -- but gay men and older women
(even lesbians) should talk with their doctors about
getting the vaccine. The $450 for the series of injections
is unlikely to be covered by your insurance if
you're not part of the FDA-approved group, but
considering the growing number of cases of anal cancer in
men and cervical cancer in women, Gardasil could be
well worth the expense.
Want more breaking equality news & trending entertainment stories?
Check out our NEW 24/7 streaming service: the Advocate Channel!
Download the Advocate Channel App for your mobile phone and your favorite streaming device!
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
Meet all 37 of the queer women in this season's WNBA
April 17 2024 11:24 AM
Here are the 15 gayest travel destinations in the world: report
March 26 2024 9:23 AM
After 20 years, and after tonight, Obama will no longer be the Democrats' top star
August 20 2024 12:28 PM
More Than 50 of Our Favorite LGBTQ+ Moms
May 12 2024 11:44 AM
Conjoined twins Lori Schappell and trans man George Schappell dead at 62
April 27 2024 6:13 PM
Latest Stories
Even Republicans are against Tennessee’s trans health ban
September 04 2024 1:05 PM
And they're off! 8 things to watch for as the 2024 presidential election kicks into high gear
September 04 2024 10:00 AM
Tim Walz to honor LGBTQ+ community at Human Rights Campaign National Dinner (exclusive)
September 04 2024 9:00 AM
A Virginia college bans transgender students — based on language from the year 1900
September 04 2024 5:39 AM
Harris campaign, others call out Trump for holding events in towns with racist histories
September 04 2024 4:57 AM
Candace Owens claims TikTok makes men gay and causes women to hate them
September 03 2024 6:27 PM
16 LGBTQ+ movies & TV shows to watch in September 2024
September 03 2024 4:21 PM
Transphobic Texas Democrat finds home for bigotry in state Republican Party
September 03 2024 4:07 PM
Trans sprinter Valentina Petrillo loses at Paralympics, then delivers heartfelt message to her son
September 03 2024 3:54 PM
Praying the gay away didn't work, but loving myself did
September 03 2024 1:45 PM
22 gorgeous gay men from around the world to celebrate Elska's 9-year anniversary
September 02 2024 8:39 PM